Mortal Shell

The story of Mortal Shell receives praise for its atmospheric mystery and enigmatic delivery, with several critics highlighting its ability to evoke a sense of intrigue through cryptic storytelling. GameSpot and IGN note the game’s “mysterious and cryptic story” set in a decaying world filled with religious zealots, while Digital Chumps describe it as “serviceable and has a mysterious aura that is fun and interesting.” TheSixthAxis appreciates the “mysterious and intriguing” narrative, emphasizing how the mechanic of inhabiting different shells adds depth to the player’s connection to the world. Critics like GameStar and Jeuxvideo.com also commend the lore revealed through item descriptions and cryptic monologues, which create a sense of discovery for players willing to engage with the game’s layered worldbuilding. This approach, while sparse, is seen as effective in fostering immersion and curiosity. However, many critics argue that the story lacks coherence, depth, and emotional resonance, often feeling fragmented or underdeveloped. BaziCenter criticizes the narrative as “never going beyond its background” and failing to offer a compelling plot, while PlayStation Universe and Games.cz describe it as “convoluted,” “pretentious,” and “lacking substance.” GameSkinny and PC Invasion point out that the story is secondary to gameplay, with characters feeling disconnected from their environment and lore scattered in a way that feels disjointed. Critics like KeenGamer and Vandal note that the narrative relies heavily on item descriptions and hidden lore, which can leave players confused or disengaged. Additionally, the minimalistic approach to storytelling is seen as a drawback by some, with RPGamer acknowledging the “thin” plot despite its effective mood-setting. The lack of clear character motivations and a central narrative thread leaves many feeling unsatisfied. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Mortal Shell’s story is a polarizing element, balancing atmospheric intrigue with structural shortcomings. While many praise its cryptic, moody tone and the way it invites players to piece together lore (as noted by GameSpot, IGN, and Digital Chumps), others find it overly vague or derivative of Souls-like games. The narrative’s reliance on environmental storytelling and hidden details is seen as both a strength and a flaw—offering depth for dedicated players but frustrating those seeking clarity. Despite mixed reactions, most agree that the story contributes to the game’s unique identity, even if it doesn’t match the narrative sophistication of its inspirations. As GameStar observes, the “cryptic monologues and item descriptions” add mystery, but the lack of a cohesive framework leaves room for debate about its effectiveness.

The gameplay of Mortal Shell is widely praised for its unique mechanics and strategic depth, particularly the "harden" ability, which allows players to temporarily turn into stone to block attacks and counter enemies—a feature highlighted by critics like GameSpot, IGN Spain, and TrueGaming as a standout innovation. The game’s combat system, inspired by Dark Souls and Bloodborne, emphasizes skill-building, enemy pattern recognition, and resource management, with GameSpew noting its "duelist-style" approach. The shell system, where players inhabit fallen warriors with distinct abilities, adds variety to playstyles, as praised by GameSkinny and Gamers Heroes, who highlighted the satisfaction of mastering specialized combat roles. Additionally, Push Square and PC Gamer commended the weighty, deliberate nature of combat, which rewards patience and precision, while IGN Japan lauded the polished controls and animations that enhance immersion. However, several critics pointed out significant flaws in the gameplay’s execution. PlayStation Universe and GameSpew criticized the combat as "slow," "clunky," or "lacking responsiveness," with attacks sometimes failing to register on enemies. The lack of character progression and loot diversity was another recurring issue, as noted by Cultured Vultures and Games.cz, who felt the combat lacked depth and variety. Some reviewers, like Jeuxvideo.com (PS5) and DarkZero, expressed disappointment with poorly designed bosses and repetitive enemy encounters, while KeenGamer mentioned unresponsive dodge mechanics and issues with healing systems. The game’s reliance on hardening, though innovative, was seen as a double-edged sword by GameSpot, which noted it could make fights feel overly slow or less challenging if overused. Overall, the critics’ opinions reflect a mixed but generally positive reception, with many acknowledging Mortal Shell as a competent Souls-like title that introduces fresh mechanics despite its flaws. While GameGrin and TheXboxHub praised its engaging combat loop and unique systems, others like Cultured Vultures and Games.cz felt it fell short in areas like enemy design and progression. The game’s balance of challenge and innovation resonated with fans of the genre, as seen in IGN Spain’s assertion that it "successfully captures the essence of Dark Souls," while also drawing criticism for its uneven polish. Ultimately, Mortal Shell is viewed as a worthwhile experience for those who appreciate tactical combat, even if its execution occasionally falters under scrutiny.

The graphics and visual design of Mortal Shell received significant praise for their atmospheric depth, art direction, and technical execution, particularly in creating a grim, immersive world. Critics like GameSpew and TheSixthAxis highlighted the game’s visually stunning environments, with one describing an area as a "gothic Escher painting" and another noting its haunting, beautiful world. The use of Unreal Engine 4 was frequently lauded for delivering detailed character models, vibrant textures, and dynamic lighting, as noted by GameStar and RPGamer. The Enhanced Edition on PS5 saw particular acclaim for 4K resolution, improved textures, and smoother performance, with Worth Playing and GameSpot emphasizing the dramatic visual upgrades. Areas like the obsidian temple and the abstract stone level were singled out as standout examples of meticulous design, while Vandal praised the decaying world’s unique aesthetic, blending H.R. Giger-inspired monsters with subtle architectural variations. The game’s dark fantasy style, described as "grim and oppressive" by Hobby Consolas and Shacknews, effectively reinforced its horror themes, creating a cohesive and immersive atmosphere. However, several critics pointed to inconsistencies and shortcomings in the visual design. PlayStation Universe and SpazioGames criticized the graphics as lifeless, with low detail, blurry textures, and flat environmental elements that lacked the polish of Dark Souls. Jeuxvideo.com and Eurogamer Italy noted a lack of level design expertise, with repetitive layouts, confusing navigation, and areas that felt "small and straightforward." Issues like enemy repetition (Noisy Pixel) and technical flaws such as texture popping (Gameblog.fr) were also mentioned. The central hub, Fallgrim, faced criticism for its disorienting design (Ragequit.gr) and absence of a map (GameRevolution), while Games.cz highlighted the frustration of dense fog hindering exploration. Some reviewers, like Game Rant, pointed to gameplay mechanics that clashed with the visuals, such as the lack of a jump button and confusing tunnel navigation, which detracted from the overall experience. Overall, critics generally viewed Mortal Shell as a visually competent Soulslike that captures the essence of its inspirations but falls short of the genre’s top-tier titles. While many praised its atmospheric design, art direction, and technical improvements in the Enhanced Edition (GameSpew, GameSpot), others felt it lacked the complexity and originality of From Software’s work (Eurogamer Italy, Jeuxvideo.com). The game was seen as a strong effort for a smaller team, with RPGamer noting its "breathtaking environments" despite budget constraints, but also acknowledging that it "falls short compared to the genre's greats." The consensus leaned toward appreciation for its visual ambition and eerie charm, even as technical and design flaws prevented it from fully matching the polish of its predecessors.

The sound design and music of Mortal Shell received generally positive reception, with many reviewers highlighting its atmospheric depth and immersive qualities. Critics like LaPS4 praised the "excellent" use of ambient sounds to create constant tension, recommending headphones for full immersion, while Gameblog.fr and PlaySense noted that the music effectively enhances the game’s mood. The unique inclusion of enemies playing a lute was specifically celebrated by Gameblog.fr, who called it a standout element, and KeenGamer acknowledged the "clever" use of the DualSense controller for audio experiences like lute melodies and cat purrs. Additionally, GameSpew highlighted the crisp sounds and haptic feedback on PS5 as a technical triumph, further emphasizing the game’s attention to detail in creating an engaging auditory experience. However, several critics pointed out notable shortcomings, particularly in repetition and lack of memorability. Gameblog.fr criticized the "repetitive" monster groans and noted that the music lacked standout moments, while Vandal described the soundtrack as "absent" and the sound effects as merely "correct." Eurogamer Italy and MGG echoed similar concerns, citing a "timid" soundtrack and a lack of epic musical moments during boss battles. Xbox Achievements acknowledged strong weapon and enemy sound effects but suggested they could be more impactful. Additionally, some reviewers, like Attack of the Fanboy, noted issues with positional audio on PC, and Windows Central criticized the music as "forgettable," particularly in high-stakes scenarios. These critiques suggest that while the audio design contributes to immersion, it occasionally falls short in delivering variety or emotional resonance. Overall, the consensus leans toward a balanced assessment, with many critics appreciating the atmospheric and technical strengths of Mortal Shell’s sound design despite its flaws. The game’s ambient sounds, unique musical touches (like the lute), and platform-specific innovations (such as DualSense haptics) were widely praised, as seen in reviews from LaPS4, KeenGamer, and GameSpew. However, recurring criticisms about repetition, lack of memorable music, and uneven boss fight audio highlighted areas for improvement. While some reviewers, like IGN Italia and COGconnected, found the audio to be immersive and well-crafted, others, such as PlayStation Universe and Windows Central, felt it lacked the polish or ambition to leave a lasting impression. This mixed reception underscores the game’s strengths in creating an eerie, atmospheric world but also reveals opportunities for refinement in its musical and sonic design.

The voice acting in Mortal Shell receives generally positive feedback from multiple critics, highlighting its atmospheric and immersive qualities. Gamer.no praises the "animations, voice acting, and mysterious storytelling" for enhancing the overall experience, while Gamers' Temple describes it as "weirdly captivating," suggesting an unconventional but engaging quality. IGN Italia notes "delicate voices," implying a subtle and nuanced performance, and COGconnected calls it "clean and crisp," emphasizing clarity and professionalism. Games.cz acknowledges that the voice acting is "exaggerated and comedic" in most cases, though this tone aligns with the game’s quirky aesthetic, and Xbox Achievements highlights that where voice acting exists, it is "surprisingly good." Additionally, GameWatcher commends the NPCs for being "well-voiced," which deepens the game’s lore, while Shacknews notes that the voice acting contributes to an "eerie atmosphere," reinforcing the game’s unsettling tone. These reviews collectively suggest that the voice work effectively supports the game’s narrative and mood. While most critiques are positive, some reviewers point to limitations or mixed impressions. Games.cz explicitly criticizes the exaggerated and comedic nature of the voice acting, which might not resonate with all players, though it could be intentional given the game’s tone. Similarly, Xbox Achievements notes that "there isn’t an awful lot of voice acting in the game," implying that its presence is sparse or underutilized. GameSpot’s reviews mention the voice acting as "spooky and cryptic" but offer no detailed assessment of its quality, leaving some ambiguity. IGN’s brief observation about NPCs "muttering spooky lines" also lacks specificity, suggesting that while the tone is effective, the execution may not be deeply explored in some critiques. These points indicate that while the voice acting is generally well-received, its impact might vary depending on individual expectations or the game’s design choices. Overall, the consensus among critics leans toward appreciation for Mortal Shell’s voice acting, particularly its ability to enhance the game’s atmosphere and storytelling. While some reviewers note its occasional comedic or exaggerated tone, others highlight its effectiveness in creating an immersive, eerie experience. The praise for "clean and crisp" delivery (COGconnected) and "spooky and cryptic" dialogue (GameSpot) underscores a shared recognition of its atmospheric value. Despite minor critiques about quantity or tonal choices, the majority of reviews emphasize that the voice acting contributes meaningfully to the game’s identity, making it a standout element for many players. This balance of praise and nuanced observations suggests that while not flawless, the voice work is largely successful in serving Mortal Shell’s unique vision.

The technical performance of Mortal Shell varies across platforms, with notable positives highlighted by several critics. On PS4, reviewers like Finger Guns and LaPS4 praised the game’s smooth gameplay and stable frame rates, while PlaySense noted no technical issues. The PS5 Enhanced Edition received widespread acclaim for its improved performance: Digital Chumps emphasized faster load times and haptic feedback integration, GameSpot highlighted 4K/60fps stability, and Pure Playstation praised quick loading. For Xbox One, GamingTrend commended the game’s stability compared to other soulslikes, while TheXboxHub noted smoother performance with reduced load times. On PC, critics like Cultured Vultures and IGN highlighted steady frame rates and reliable optimization, with Windows Central noting consistent 60 FPS and no bugs. These positives underscore the game’s technical strengths on newer hardware and well-optimized platforms. However, technical flaws were reported across all platforms. On PS4, critics like Areajugones cited camera issues and limited exploration, while GameMAG and IGN Italia mentioned glitches, collision problems, and unpredictable enemy behavior. Jeuxvideo.com and PlayStation Universe noted unfair deaths from environmental bugs and repetitive hub areas. On PS5, Gameblog.fr and KeenGamer pointed to occasional animation drops, texture issues, and depth-of-field flaws, while Push Square mentioned pop-in and crashes. For Xbox One, Games.cz criticized the final boss’s technical problems, and TheXboxHub highlighted camera issues in confined spaces. On PC, Attack of the Fanboy and Multiplayer.it reported bugs like delayed inputs and collision glitches, though many reviewers acknowledged these as minor compared to the game’s overall polish. These negatives reveal persistent challenges in refining the experience across platforms. Overall, critics generally agree that Mortal Shell is technically solid but not without flaws. While PS5 and PC versions received the most praise for their stability and enhancements, PS4 and Xbox One versions faced more frequent technical issues. The consensus leans toward the game being a strong entry in the soulslike genre despite its imperfections, with GamingTrend and IGN noting that its performance on newer hardware justifies its release. While some critics like Jeuxvideo.com and Push Square highlighted recurring bugs, others emphasized that these issues rarely overshadowed the core gameplay experience. The mixed reception reflects a game that prioritizes design and challenge over technical perfection, with platform-specific optimizations playing a key role in player satisfaction.

The overall sentiment toward Mortal Shell’s replay value is mixed but leans slightly positive, with several critics highlighting features that encourage multiple playthroughs. Many praise the New Game+ mode as a significant factor in extending the game’s lifespan, with Gaming Age noting its depth and mechanics make it "worth replaying," while Wccftech emphasizes collectibles, lore items, and speedrunning potential. Malditos Nerds and Xbox Achievements also point to New Game+ as a key draw, with the former enjoying renewed interest in NG+ and the latter noting achievements as an incentive. Additionally, Games.cz mentions hidden endings, and Attack of the Fanboy highlights secret discoveries, suggesting that exploration and experimentation can add value for dedicated players. The game’s streamlined progression system and unique combat mechanics also appeal to Soulsborne fans, with GameSkinny and God is a Geek acknowledging its potential as a gateway for newcomers or a repeatable experience for veterans. However, several critics express concerns about the game’s limited content and repetitive elements, which detract from its replayability. The short campaign length is a recurring issue, with Gamer.no criticizing the "too short" feel due to only three temples, while LaPS4 and Worth Playing note playtimes of 8–15 hours, calling it "short for a Soulslike." Gameblog.fr and IGN Italia point to a lack of build variety, enemy diversity, and boss movesets, which become noticeable after repeated playthroughs. GameOver.gr and Gamers Heroes criticize the underdeveloped customization system, with limited shell abilities and minimal stat upgrades reducing incentives to replay. Additionally, RPGamer outright states the game "lacks replayability" due to minimal new content on subsequent runs, while Shacknews advises against replaying due to unpolished mechanics. These critiques suggest that while Mortal Shell offers some replay value, its core design limitations hinder sustained engagement. The consensus among critics is that Mortal Shell’s replayability is modest but not entirely absent, with the New Game+ mode and collectibles providing enough incentive for some players to return. Gaming Age and Wccftech argue that the game’s depth justifies its price point despite its brevity, while Jeuxvideo.com (PS5) and Games.cz acknowledge hidden endings and varied combinations as positives. However, many agree that the lack of substantial content—such as more weapons, shells, or enemy variety—limits long-term appeal. GameSkinny and RPGamer are particularly critical, with the latter calling it "not truly great" for replayability. Ultimately, while Mortal Shell offers a satisfying experience for those seeking a shorter, focused Soulslike adventure, its replay value remains constrained by its design choices, leaving players divided between appreciating its efficiency and wishing for more depth.